1st KOSB WAR DIARIES

During the night several flares were seen (green and white) coming from the area of LOMM 9017 and shortly afterwards a two stroke motor was heard in the same area.

Fd Arty and MMG fire was immediately put down

in the area and the noises stopped and nothing further happened.

In the early morning two Dutch civilians crossed the MAAS in the GRUBBENVORST area. They had been ferried across by canoe, and unfortunately another

five has been caught by the enemy on the East bank before they had time to get across.

They could only produce rather vague information which included the fact that there were mines in HASSELT, just East of the perimeter wire. They also stated that the enemy were evacuating all

civilians within a mile or so of the MAAS on the same day.

The Bde harassing fire plan started today. Enemy mortar and gun positions were engaged during the morning and enemy movement and dugouts during the

afternoon.

There was less shelling and mortaring than usual.

OPs saw continuous enemy movement in VELDEN throughout the day. A RAP and a suspected HQ were located respectively at 908146 and 908143.

Some enemy on the front were wearing snow camouflage suits, others were seen carrying them about.

Suspected stand to positions in trenches were

observed being occupied at dusk by five enemy at 908146.

During the night movement of vehicles was again heard in VELDEN.